Match box



Dec. 6, 1938. T. H. JOHNSON MATCH BOX Filed June 10, 1957 INVE NTOEPatented Dec. 6, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIQE MATCH BO-X Thomas H.Johnson, Wheeling, W. Va.

Application June 10, 1937, Serial No. 147,503

2 Claims.

This invention relates to cardboard match boxes in which matches arepacked, shipped and stored, which is so constructed that it may readilyand conveniently be converted into a match holder and dispenser. Thus,the necessity for transferring the matches, or that portion of the matchbox containing the matches, to another separate holder and dispenser iseliminated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a box of the charactermentioned which, when packed and ready for shipment, has substantiallythe same outward appearance as those match boxes now commonly used inthe industry.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a box so constructedand assembled that there results a savings in the cardboard stockrequired to produce the same compared with boxes now commercially used.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in certainconstructions arrangement and combinations of parts that willhereinafter be fully described, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawing, in which Figure 1 is a perspective View of a combined match boxand dispenser constructed in accordance with my invention, the traybeing depicted in dispensing position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rectangular match receptacleillustrating the construction of the tray;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the casing;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of the assembled match box inclosed shipping position; and

Figure 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of the assembled box.

The match receptacle consists of an open top, rectangularly shaped,cardboard container consisting of a bottom 2; opposite side walls 3, andend walls 4 and 5, respectively.

The tray 6 has a bent angular portion 1 attached, as by means of staples8, interiorly of the end wall 5, and, as shown in Fig. 4, the trayoccupies the same plane as the outer edge of said end wall 5 when innon-dispensing position. Opposite, angularly disposed arms l0" areformed integrally with the tray and are disposed exteriorly of the sidewalls 3 of the receptacle. A notch 12 is provided in each arm for apurpose later to be made apparent, and a perforated semi-circular fingerhole I3 is provided in the tray 6 at the free edge thereof.

The cover casing consists of a backless, rectangularly shaped, cardboardmember comprising opposite side walls l5 and a front It, the

latter having a portion thereof removed so as to accommodate the tray 6.

In practice, the match receptacle is filled with matches and the traythereafter folded inwardly to the position depicted in Fig. 4. Thecasing is then placed over the receptacle and the side walls I5 thereofare glued to the exterior of the side walls 3 of the receptacle, itbeing understood that the receptacle and the casing are not gluedtogether in that space occupied by the arms H], the latter, when the boxis assembled, being located intermediate the side walls 3 of thereceptacle and the side walls I5 of the casing. When assembled, thefront l6 of the casing is of such length that it overlies the inner freeedge of the tray 6, thus to maintain the tray in position and togethercompletely covering the open top of the match receptacle.

When it is desired to open the box for access to the contents, theperforations outlining the finger hole [3 are completely ruptured andthat area removed. A finger may then be inserted in the aperture l3 andthe tray 3 pulley outwardly to dispensing position, as shown in Fig. l,the notches [2 of the arms In engaging the cover It and limiting outwardmovement. It will, of course, be understood that so slight a portion ofthe free edge of the tray underlies the cover It that but comparativelyslight resistance is ofiered to movement of the tray to dispensingposition.

An aperture 20 is provided in the bottom 2 whereby the match box may besuspended on a nail driven into a wall.

One of the side walls 15 of the casing is preferably provided with theusual match scratching abrasive strip (not shown).

What is claimed is- 1. In a device of the character described, thecombination of a rectangular match receptacle having an open top, adispensing tray having a portion attached to an end of said receptacle,the remaining portion of said tray being formed at a right angle toafford a cover for a portion of the open top of the match receptacleduring shipment and storage, and a complemental backless casing forhousing said receptacle consisting of side walls of a lengthsubstantially equal to the length of the match receptacle and a frontface having a length sufiicient to cover that portion of the matchreceptacle left exposed by the dispensing tray, said tray being adaptedto be withdrawn outwardly from covering relation to the receptacle toform a match dispensing tray, and arms extending inwardly from said trayand disposed intermediate the side walls of the match casing for housingsaid receptacle consisting of side walls of a length substantially equalto the length of the match receptacle and a front face having a lengthsufficient to cover that portion of the match receptacle left exposed bythe dispensing tray, said tray being adapted to be withdrawn outwardlyfrom covering relation to the receptacle to form a match dispensingtray, and adhesive means interposed between the side walls of the matchreceptacle and the casing for permanently' attaching the same together.

THOMAS H. JOHNSON.

